Star-of-Bethlehem is a bulb that is native to northern Africa and southern Europe. In late spring and early summer, it bears tall spikes of large (2-inch), white, star-shaped flowers with black or purple eyes. The volume of the flowers, combined with their distinctive appearance adds up to a dramatic effect. Overall, the plant is about 2feet tall and about 1foot wide.

These bulbs are not hardy in the Chicago area so, they are generally planted in two ways: They can be planted in containers, which can be brought inside to overwinter in a cool, dark spot, or the bulbs can be planted in the ground in the spring, after the threat of frost has passed. In this case, the bulbs can be lifted in the fall and overwintered in a cool, dark location, such as a crawl space.